IT MANAGER - AI

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it is our people who make us successful. With over 5,700 employees across the western U.S., we are a People‑first company, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs safely and productively each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities.

We are one of the Nation’s largest construction materials and contracting services businesses and are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P Mid Cap 400 index.

The IT Manager – AI plans, directs, and manages the adoption, governance, and support of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries. This role provides leadership in developing and executing an AI technology vision, aligned with the company’s business process improvement framework, to responsibly integrate AI capabilities into information systems, operational processes, and long‑term strategic objectives. The IT Manager – AI collaborates closely with company leadership, internal customers, and IT team members to identify, evaluate, pilot, and scale AI solutions—including generative AI platforms and Microsoft Copilot/Microsoft 365 AI tools—that improve efficiency, productivity, and decision‑making while ensuring the protection of company data and resources.

The position establishes and enforces AI governance, usage policies, security standards, and ethical practices, while developing business cases and measuring the return on investment of AI and technology initiatives. In addition, the IT Manager – AI selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to support the effective and responsible operation of the company’s AI program, manages AI projects and programs within approved budgets and timelines, and partners with internal technology teams to evaluate, implement, and support AI‑enabled tools that enhance the performance and value of core business applications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field – or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of progressive IT experience, including the delivery and support of enterprise business applications and integrations.
• Two or more years of hands‑on experience with AI/ML or generative‑AI technologies – evaluating, deploying, or supporting tools such as Microsoft Copilot, large language models, or AI‑enabled operational systems.
• Three or more years of supervisory, team‑lead, or project‑management experience leading technical staff and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security as they apply to AI – including how data is shared with, processed by, and retained in AI systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and to manage the full lifecycle from pilot to production.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – able to explain AI concepts, benefits, and risks clearly to both executives and frontline operations staff.

• Exposure to MLOps / AI solution operations – model/version management, monitoring for accuracy and drift, and human‑in‑the‑loop review.
• Data foundation skills – relational databases (SQL Server/Oracle), data platforms, and analytics/BI (e.g., Power BI), supporting your data‑modernization effort.
• Financial modeling for ROI or business‑case development on technology and AI investments.
• Change‑management and training experience – driving adoption and AI literacy across a distributed, non‑technical workforce.
• Relevant certifications – e.g., Microsoft AI/Azure (AI‑102, AI‑900), PMP, ITIL, or a recognized AI‑governance/security credential.
• Awareness of compliance regimes touching AI/data – SOX (IT general controls) and CMMC, given your current planning.
• Vendor and consultant management experience – evaluating and negotiating with AI/technology providers.

• Consult with department managers and operating companies to develop system solutions and implementation schedules consistent with organizational…